SHREWSBURY – Community members gathered outside the Shrewsbury Public Library on April 8 to witness the solar eclipse.
Shrewsbury reached about 93% totality, according to NASA, with the maximum coverage at 3:28 p.m.
Well before the darkness began, hundreds of eclipse-seekers set up on the library’s lawn. The eclipse first became visible at roughly 2:15 p.m. and lasted until approximately 4:30 p.m. Viewers used special eclipse glasses to witness the celestial show. In preparation for the event, Shrewsbury Public Library ordered 2,000 pairs of the glasses to distribute to community members.
“[I was motivated] to make more space enthusiasts. I love space, and I just want to make sure everyone gets to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. We had a program here in 2017 that was super crowded as well, and it’s great to make sure folks get to experience what’s going on – something outside of their world,” said Outreach and Marketing Librarian Diana Karas.
The library also live-streamed the event inside the building. Later in the day, beloved local meteorologist Harvey Leonard visited the library to discuss climate change.
If you missed the eclipse, Shrewsbury Public Library still has plenty of events to satisfy every interest.
“If you check out our website, our events page, we are chock-a-block between author talks, craft events, and children’s programs. If it’s something you’re interested in, you’ll probably find it on our calendar,” Karas said.
The next total solar eclipse visible in the continental United States will occur in 2044.
